New testing to benefit Unitywater’s efficiency and bottom line

Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay water and sewerage services utility, Unitywater, continues to achieve major water industry milestones following recent accreditation to undertake additional microbiological testing within its own laboratories.

In July, Unitywater’s Senior Microbiologist Dr Tracey Wohlsen received the prestigious Australian Water Association’s Queensland Water Industry Woman of the Year Award, while Unitywater’s laboratory team was awarded the Queensland Program Innovation Award for its initiative that detects E. coli bacteria in water samples in half the time previously required.  

Unitywater’s Manager Scientific Services, Bob Sheedy, said their recent confirmation of National Association of Testing Authorities accreditation for bacteriophage testing, which checks for potential viruses in water, ensures drinking and recycled water monitoring meets the highest water industry safety standards.   

“We previously sent water samples to Queensland Health for this testing, however the ability to undertake these tests in-house will save the company a significant amount of time and more than $100,000 per annum,” Mr Sheedy said.  

“This is important recognition for our business as there are few laboratories in Queensland who are accredited to undertake this type of testing.

“It certainly reflects the growing status and high quality of our scientific staff.”

Unitywater plans to offer the testing service to external clients, including other laboratories, councils and water authorities, and this will create an additional revenue stream for the business.

“There are many laboratories in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales that outsource this testing, so we will certainly be aiming to offer this service to them.  

“The ability to bring this testing in-house, and offer it as a service to new clients, is another example of how Unitywater continues to improve its operating efficiencies, pursue innovation and provide customers with high quality, safe and reliable water supply and sewerage services,” Mr Sheedy said.

New testing to benefit Unitywater’s efficiency and bottom line

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Publish Date: 04 Oct 11

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